Emily C. Sanders, CPA, is a Managing Director of the United Capital Atlanta office. In 2009 she was named one of the “Top 50 Women in Wealth Management” in the U.S. by Wealth Manager magazine. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA degree in International Economics and from New York University with an MBA in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Cash Manager (CCM), as well as Series 65 licensed. Ms. Sanders also received a Juris Master (JM) degree from Emory Law School.

Prior to founding the United Capital Atlanta office, formerly Sanders Financial Management, Inc., Ms. Sanders served as Assistant Treasurer at BellSouth Corporation for nine years where she managed $1 billion in corporate and pension fixed income investments, as well as the International Finance group handling foreign exchange, mergers and acquisitions and global banking. She has visited 40 countries and was an internal auditor in South Africa.

From 1977 to 1985, Ms. Sanders was employed in various financial management and budget capacities by The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta and Charter Publishing Company in New York City, and was a financial consultant to The Home Depot in 1995. Ms. Sanders is steeped in a healthcare background as the daughter of a physician and a hospital administrator. Her interest in elder care issues led to the attainment of the Registered Financial Gerontologist (RFG) designation. Ms. Sanders is an international speaker and has been quoted in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Entrepreneur Magazine, Financial Planning and more. Additionally, Ms. Sanders has appeared on CNN, Bloomberg TV, CNBC Worldwide Exchange and Closing Bell, and as a Guest Host on CNBC Europe TV.

Ms. Sanders serves on the Georgia Society of CPA’s Leadership Council where she received the Distinguished Committee Chair award for the Committee on Financial Literacy. She co-chairs United Capital’s Women’s Initiative and is a 1994 graduate of Leadership Atlanta. In her spare time she enjoys international travel, reading biographies, visiting art museums, and being involved with The Atlanta International School, previously as Treasurer of the Parent Organization. In 2017, Ms. Sanders was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) amongst United Capital’s Managing Directors nationwide.

Abbey Flaum/Cohen, Pollack, Merlin & Small

Abbey S. Flaum is a partner in the Family Wealth Planning Group of Cohen, Pollock, Merlin & Small, P.C. Her practice is devoted to family wealth planning, estate, tax and charitable planning, probate, trust and estate administration, premarital planning, and family business succession planning.

Ms. Flaum is a member of the Atlanta Estate Planning Council. She has been named a Legal Elite by Georgia Trend for the past five years and has received Super Lawyers’ under 40 top designation as a Rising Star for the past eight years. She frequently speaks to audiences on the topics of estate and tax planning, asset protection planning, philanthropy, complex gift planning structures, planning for the newly-single individual, planning for aging and longevity, planning
for modern family structures and the interplay of family law and estate planning.

In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Flaum works with a variety of organizations which promote solutions in planning for health, longevity and quality of life, and has received several awards for her community involvement. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Development on the Executive Board of Jewish Home Life Communities, a comprehensive, non-profit system of eight communities meeting the many needs of seniors and their families across the metropolitan Atlanta area. She chairs the Caring Outcomes Committee for the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, with the purpose of making funding recommendations to community partners who provide services for the health, well-being and financial fitness of local and international aging
and disabled populations. Ms. Flaum also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Southeastern Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), is a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Legacy Advisor, and an alumnus of the Philanthropic Advisory Leadership Institute (PALI), the Glass Leadership Institute, and the Jewish Federation’s Emerging Leadership Project.

A native New Yorker, Ms. Flaum has resided in Atlanta for the past twelve years. Her husband and two children put the importance of her work in perspective on a daily basis. Ms. Flaum received her Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, from Arizona State University, her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, and her Master of Laws in Taxation, Cum Laude, from the University of Alabama School of Law.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

This episode of “Wealth Matters” includes a roundtable discussion about how Georgia residents can address income tax issues when relocating to states that don’t have income tax. Special guests include attorney Richard Litwin and CPA Brian Enlow. Hosted by Robert Port and Millie Baumbusch of Gaslowitz Frankel LLC.

RICHARD C. LITWIN

Richard C. Litwin is an Atlanta attorney, who specializes in state and local taxation and tax disputes, including sales and use tax, multistate corporate income tax, personal income tax, state residency, employment tax and property tax matters. Mr. Litwin is a Georgia Super Lawyer and has been listed in The Top 100 (lawyers in Georgia). He is also listed in

S. News and World Report’s The Best Lawyers in America, for (1) Litigation and Controversy – Tax and (2) Tax Law;

Georgia’s Top-Rated Lawyers (publication of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Wall Street Journal and The Daily Report) and

Mr. Litwin has also been voted as one of the state’s top attorneys in Georgia Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite, in Taxes/Estates/Trusts. Mr. Litwin is Co-Moderator of the Georgia Department of Revenue Attorney Liaison Committee, which meets twice each year.

Mr. Litwin served as Chairperson of the State Bar of Georgia Section of Taxation (2001-2002) and served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia Tax Section Georgia Tax Court Task Force. Mr. Litwin was Chairperson of the Atlanta Bar Association Taxation Section (2004-2005) and currently serves as a board member. Mr. Litwin has also served as a member-at-large of the Atlanta Bar Association CLE Board of Trustees. Mr. Litwin has worked on projects with the Department of Revenue, in his role as a member of the Georgia Department of Revenue Liaison Committee and as a member of a special task force formed to address State consolidated return filing regulations. He also served as a member of the Georgia Department of Revenue Business Advisory Committee from 2007-2008.

Prior to forming his current firm, Mr. Litwin was a partner at an Atlanta law firm. Mr. Litwin was also an Assistant Attorney General in the Tax Section of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office and worked in the Tax Department at the Atlanta office of an international accounting firm. Mr. Litwin speaks frequently on various tax topics, at national and state bar seminars and at seminars sponsored by the Georgia Society of CPAs. Mr. Litwin has also published articles on various aspects of taxation, including “The Georgia Tax Tribunal Act of 2012,” an article that he co-authored and that was published in the December 2012 edition of The Georgia Bar Journal. Mr. Litwin serves as a volunteer tax lawyer with Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta. He also serves, by appointment by the Georgia Supreme Court, as on the State Bar of Georgia’s Standing Committee on the Unlicensed Practice of Law.

Mr. Litwin graduated from the University of South Carolina, with a B.S. degree, cum laude, in Economics, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated from Emory Law School, where he was a member of the Moot Court Society. In September 2016, Mr. Litwin was appointed by the Univ. of South Carolina Board of Trustees to serve a three-year term as an at-large member of the USC Board of Visitors.

BRIAN ENLOW

Brian Enlow is a CPA in Warren Averett’s tax division and is a member of the firm’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Roundtable. For over 15 years, Brian has served as a trusted advisor to multi-state businesses and their owners, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution, real estate, and service industries. He has helped these clients in all stages, from business formation to successful exits, including sales to private equity funds and ESOPs. Brian resides in Atlanta with his wife and twin 3 year old sons.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

Approximately twenty years of experience consulting on the valuation of equity interests in closely held and publicly traded companies. Valuations for a variety of purposes including estate and gift tax reporting requirements, financial reporting, acquisitions, buy-sell agreements, and employee stock ownership plans.

Mr. Corbett is the founder and Managing Partner of CCG Advisors. He has over 15 years of experience advising the owners of successful privately held businesses as to the value and marketability of their businesses and the alternatives they have in terms of liquidity, exit strategies and accessing growth capital.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

Hosts Craig Frankel and Robert Port talk with Melissa Benton with Atlanta Senior Advocates and Page Hall with Everything But The House about “What to Do When it’s Time for Mom and Dad to Move out of the House.”

Melissa Benton/Atlanta Senior Advocates

Melissa’s personal experience in the senior living industry began in 2005. She was the only family member in town, so she began caring for her grandparents in Dunwoody. Senior living options in Atlanta at that time were very limited, especially for a couple who wanted to remain living together. Their needs varied greatly as one spouse was independent and the other was struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Over the course of 6 years, Melissa experienced first-hand the nuances, both pit falls and successes, of in-home care, independent living, memory care, assisted living, skilled care and finally hospice.

Melissa started her career working in Georgia politics in various capacities as the Chief of Staff to the current Lieutenant Governor, a Lobbyist for the Boys and Girls Club of Georgia, and a Campaign Manager for state and local races. She later moved into the legal realm as the Director of Business Development for a subsidy of the corporate and commercial real estate practices at Greenberg Traurig.
In 2012, a conversation with a friend regarding their family’s struggle with their parents not being able to live at home any longer brought to her attention that many families could benefit from what she learned when going through the same process. While she was passionate about teaching students for five years in Washington, DC, it felt like her calling to help others in crises with aging parents and serving as a voice for the senior population. She returned to Atlanta to work as a Family Advocate and became Co-Founder and President of Atlanta Senior Advocates. She dedicates her work to grandparents, Winnie and Bud, because having the honor to care for them has allowed her to help so many others.

Melissa is an Atlanta native and attends Mt. Paran Church. You can find her seeking the sun in the spring and summer and rooting for her Georgia Bulldogs in the fall.

Page Hall/Everything But The House

Page Hall leads the Atlanta sales and business development team for Everything But The House, the premier national online estate sale auction marketplace specializing in personal property liquidation. Prior to launching Everything But The House’s Atlanta operation in March of 2015, she built a diverse background in sales, retail merchandising, and home decor product design and development. Most recently, Page was a Merchandise Buyer for Atlanta’s own Ballard Designs, for whom she traveled the world seeking design inspiration and working with manufacturers. Before joining Ballard, Page worked in advertising sales for Home & Garden Television and in PR and Marketing for BD Jeffries. These experiences honed her project management skills and gave her a highly trained eye for design. This led to her opening a home decor and lifestyle brick and mortar retail store, which she successfully operated for five years. Her multi-faceted range of experiences have two common threads: a drive for unparalleled customer service and a passion for discovering unique items that make a home special. These skills and experiences give Page a genuine desire to help clients navigate life’s transitions and personal property liquidation and to bring untold treasures to the marketplace where they can find new homes to be loved for years to come.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

This episode of “Wealth Matters” presents a discussion about the financial impact of vacation homes. Hosted by Robert Port and Millie Baumbusch of Gaslowitz Frankel with special guests Cynthia Duncan of The Bowden Spratt Law Firm and Frank Norton of The Norton Agency.

CYNTHIA DUNCAN/THE BOWDEN SPRATT LAW FIRM

Cynthia Duncan is a shareholder in The Bowden Spratt Law Firm, P.C. She has over fourteen years of experience in the field of trusts and estates matters. Her practice focuses on wealth transfer, business succession, and family governance.

Cynthia is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia, and the American Bar Association. Cynthia is also a member of the Business Planning Group of the ABA. Cynthia is the co-author of several articles for professional journals and frequently speaks at continuing legal education programs. Her most recent article “McCord to Holman – Five Years of Value Judgments” appeared in the Spring 2009 ACTEC Journal. Cynthia spoke at the 2009 ABA Spring Symposium on the Anatomy of a Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement. In 2011, she spoke at the 56th Annual Estate Planning Institute on the Anatomy of a Grantor Trust and, most recently, at the 62nd Annual Estate Planning Institute on the nontax issues associated with family recreational properties.

Cynthia received her B.A., cum laude, in English from Wake Forest University in 1996 and received her J.D. from the University of Florida in 2002, where she graduated with high honors. Cynthia and her husband, Derek, have two young children, Lucy and Sam.

FRANK NORTON/THE NORTON AGENCY

Many people think they know Frank Norton, Jr., but the real Frank Norton, Jr. just may surprise you. Spend some time talking with him and you’ll uncover a creative introvert with strong family values, an untenable work ethic, and a heart for being a community servant—all traits that serve him well in his role as President of The Norton Agency.

Norton grew up in a family devoted to real estate—his grandfather, father and mother all worked in the profession from as far back as the late1920s—but he decided to pursue a degree in architecture at Georgia Tech. While working his way through college in the research department at Coldwell Banker, however, Norton found himself enticed to try his luck in the real estate field, and quickly became the youngest manager in Coldwell Banker’s history.

“My time with Coldwell Banker gave me an unbelievable perspective of the real estate field,” he says. “I also saw other people working hard, but enjoying what they were doing; I saw you could have fun at work and still be successful.”

After the birth of his first child, the appeal of living and raising his family in a small town drew Norton home and, in 1986, he joined The Norton Agency, rolled up his sleeves and became a part of the community.

“I chose to come back to Gainesville to work and raise my family because, to me, family is the most important part of my life and being a part of a community is important, as well,” Norton says. “Being from a small town, being a part of Gainesville was what I knew, and I wanted those same experiences for my children.”

Norton’s personal and professional commitment to community has led him to support numerous area non-profits; however, his only “hands-on” philanthropic work is with the Boy Scouts of America. A life-long Scout, Norton received his personal Eagle Scout designation at the age of 13, and he’s been involved with the Eagle Scout program for 11 years, helping more than 100 young men achieve the distinction.

Norton’s Boy Scout ties influence several of his business philosophies—specifically his belief in unflinching honesty and challenging injustice—while his general approach to business was shaped by his dad, Frank Norton, Sr., a “workaholic” entrepreneur with an uncanny memory and a passion for taking risks.

“I’ve never considered myself the smartest person in the room, but I can outwork anyone,” Norton says. “I have the work ethic, the energy, and a passion for what I do, and I hire people with those same traits. Certainly, I love my family and my time spent with them, but I also love coming to work and the positive energy generated by the people around me at the agency.”

Norton’s day-to-date tasks center on strengthening the agency’s brand, steering a proactive strategic planning and vision process, and being a “rainmaker” through company expansion and generation of new business. He also acts as a “cheerleader” for a 300+ member team representing 49 family units.

“We’d be nowhere without nepotism,” Norton jokes. “In all honesty though, we are extremely diligent and careful about recruiting our staff. We want people who are going to be engaged and who want to work here. We want people who want to be a part of a family and hold the same values and vision.”

When asked what he values most, Norton’s answer is quick and simple: “Life experiences. Those moments you remember and treasure for a long, long time,” he says. And buying a home is one of the largest life moments.

“The Norton Agency doesn’t need to be the biggest, and we don’t need to have our name on everything in town, but we do want to help shape, mold and change lives,” Norton says. “Finding someone a home changes their life, and we want to be a part of those life-changing moments.”

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

As a founding partner of Gaslowitz Frankel LLC, Adam Gaslowitz is a fiduciary litigator who specializes in representing individuals, executors, trustees, investors, shareholders, and financial institutions in complex fiduciary disputes involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities. Mr. Gaslowitz’s approach to his practice is rooted in his belief that his clients need more than just an attorney; they need guidance in making both legal and practical decisions during a time of enormous emotional stress. To his clients, he is a counselor in every sense of the word, providing both expert legal advice and perspective on what really matters. Always keeping his clients’ best interests in mind, Mr. Gaslowitz is also an expert on mediation and alternative methods of resolving estate disputes.

Mr. Gaslowitz graduated summa cum laude from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, earning degrees in accounting and finance. After business school, he earned a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

Mr. Gaslowitz has served as an expert commentator on CNN and the Layman’s Lawyer. He has given numerous seminars and lectures on estate litigation. As an active member of the community, Mr. Gaslowitz often lectures to groups such as AARP and serves on the Boards of several legal organizations, such as the Atlanta Probate Bar. He is proud to have been honored with many accolades, including being elected as a Fellow of ACTEC, attaining an “AV” Attorney Rating by Martindale Hubbell, and being recognized by Super Lawyers of Georgia annually since 2006.

Craig Frankel

Craig Frankel head shotCraig Frankel is an experienced litigator who specializes in civil disputes within the areas of business law, contracts, will and trusts, fiduciary duties, employment claims, civil rights, and civil appeals. Known throughout the legal profession as a principled, aggressive attorney who gets the job done, Mr. Frankel emphasizes open and frank exchanges with every client, adversary, and the court. As a founding partner of Gaslowitz Frankel LLC, he takes pride in his firm’s ability to create favorable resolutions for their clients, whether through trial or settlements. Mr. Frankel’s approach to his practice is centered on the belief that any successful result must meet both the financial and emotional challenges of his clients. Therefore, in addition to his years of experience in a courtroom, Mr. Frankel is well versed in mediation and alternative dispute resolution techniques.

Mr. Frankel attended the Honors Program of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Grail Honor Society. He later attended the University of Georgia School of Law as a Bryant T. Castellow Scholar, where he served as Executive Editor of the Georgia Law Review and a research assistant to Deans Beaird and Brussack. After achieving his J.D. with honors, Mr. Frankel clerked with the Hon. John C. Godbold, then Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Mr. Frankel is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs, wealth management programs, and estate and tax programs, where he discusses fiduciary duties and the risks for fiduciaries. Additionally, his successful law practice is balanced with extensive pro bono work. Mr. Frankel currently serves on the Board of Directors of Hillside Hospital, a residential and outpatient facility for severely abused or emotionally disturbed adolescents and their families.

Millie Baumbusch

Millie Baumbusch head shotMillie Baumbusch is a litigator who specializes in fiduciary matters, including disputes concerning wills, estates, trusts, and business interests. Her particular focus is on contested guardianships and conservatorships. Ms. Baumbusch represents clients in all phases of litigation, from filing pleadings and conducting discovery through strategizing for and managing hearings and trials. In addition, she often engages in settlement negotiations to assist clients in resolving their disputes prior to trial, saving resources and permitting them a measure of control over the outcome.

Ms. Baumbusch attended Brown University and obtained a B.A. degree in English literature. She was an Assistant Vice President at Chemical Bank in New York City, where she was a lending officer to middle market companies and held several positions in strategic planning and market research. Ms. Baumbusch attended the Georgia State University College of Law, earning a J.D. cum laude. While in law school, she served as Research Co-Editor of the Law Review.

Ms. Baumbusch is certified in civil collaborative practice and has more than 1,200 hours of hands-on experience with Guardianship and Conservatorship cases. She has made CLE presentations and lectured on guardianships, how to avoid estate disputes, and related topics.

Ms. Baumbusch’s passion for estate and trust litigation is rooted in the combination of analyzing complex legal issues and being attuned to family dynamics. With cases that often involve clients’ family members, Ms. Baumbusch focuses on the legalities involved and interactions with opposing counsel, while never losing sight of the impact the final outcome will have on her client’s family. She understands that seeking a mediated settlement that would foster a better family relationship is often a more appropriate approach than taking an aggressive stance in litigation. However, each case presents different family, factual, and legal issues, making every day a fresh challenge.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

Michael is a financial professional in the Atlanta area who specializes in evaluating and advising clients on the tax and financial aspects of divorce. With a first-hand understanding of how highly emotional the divorce process can be, Mike is dedicated to lightening the burden of each client by thoroughly dissecting the financial elements of the client’s divorce, with a keen focus on what is in his or her best interests. He is committed to helping his clients understand the more complex tax and financial implications of his or her particular case and provide thoughtful, objective solutions to the financial questions an individual must ask when filing for divorce. As both a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Mike is uniquely equipped to recognize frequently overlooked financial hurdles and inequities in the settlement process, from the unforeseen tax ramifications of losing, dividing, or gaining certain assets to the unveiling of hidden assets. Based on his analysis, Mike advises clients on which assets to fight for and the valuation and division of those assets. He also assists in child support and alimony proposals and provides forward-looking income, expense and net worth projections. Mike received his undergraduate degree in Accountancy from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School and completed his graduate work in Financial Planning from Duke University. He is collaboratively trained by the Collaborative Law Institute of Georgia. Mike is former Vice President and Board Member for the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP), and is an active member of the Institute of Divorce Financial Advisors (IDFA), two of the most nationally recognized and respected professional organizations in the Divorce Planning industry. Mike has been highlighted numerous times for his commitment to his clients and service to Atlanta’s business community, having been featured in Divorce.com magazine and recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Management ‘Best in Class for Customer Service’ for three successive years. During his 25 years as an Atlanta resident, he has developed strong ties to both his clients and the community, founding and running The Georgia Tuition Assistance Program, a 501(c)(3) organization that awards scholarships to children of single parent households due to death or divorce.

JoAnne Donner/Donner Mediation & Coaching

JoAnne Donner MS, CDFA, CDC, CDPC, is a trained, certified and registered mediator whose areas of expertise include divorce, eldercare, civil, workplace, and family conflict. She is also a certified coach and offers services in mediation coaching, divorce coaching, and conflict coaching. As a mediator, Ms. Donner excels at creating an environment where disputing parties can productively address issues and work toward a mutually-satisfying resolution that considers the needs of both sides. As a divorce coach, she is a supportive ally, helping divorcing individuals successfully navigate the many emotional, financial, and logistical challenges of the divorce process. She serves as a resource for divorce information and professional referrals and also helps clients identify goals and priorities, get organized, and gain credibility and confidence. As a mediation coach, she helps disputants prepare for the pressures, pitfalls, and possibilities of a mediation session. She is a firm believer that pre-mediation preparation can make the difference between a successful outcome at the mediation table or years of wishing something different had been decided on mediation day. In conflict coaching, Ms. Donner helps individuals and families effectively manage relationship and communication difficulties both at home and in the workplace. Ms. Donner is a Magna Cum Laude (first in class) graduate of the Master’s Program in Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University, a graduate of Kent State University, and a member of the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame at Cleveland Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio. She is named in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in the Registry of Business Leaders, Who’s Who in the Media and Communications and Personalities of America. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honorary. An award-winning interviewer and writer, she has been an active part of Atlanta’s professional community for more than 25 years. She has also been active in Atlanta’s charitable community, donating her time to many worthwhile causes especially those assisting the elderly and the developmentally-disabled. She currently is a corporate sponsor, board member, and past co-chair of the Board of Directors of Visions Anew Institute, an organization that supports and educates individuals and families in the midst of the divorce process. She also contributes volunteer time to The Link Counseling Center, a nationally-recognized facility for psychological counseling in Atlanta, Georgia.

Steve Kirson/Kessler & Solomiany

Steve began his career as a labor and employment lawyer with Ford & Harrison. Steve took a detour from the practice of law and was a Financial Advisor with UBS for half a dozen years, working with business owners and other high net worth individuals. Steve returned to the practice of law fourteen years ago, and has practiced family law exclusively since that time. He is a Senior Attorney with Kessler & Solomiany, a firm practicing exclusively family law, and previously practiced family law with Warner Bates & McGough. Steve is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, is a Barrister in the Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court, and has been listed in the Atlanta Magazine Top Family Law Attorneys in Georgia for 2014, 2015 & 2016. Steve’s previous presentations have included the Fiduciary Law Institute of the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association Estate Planning Section, Emory Business School, Georgia Growth Companies CLE and the Georgia Society of CPA’s. Steve represents business owners, professionals and other high net worth individuals, in divorces, post-divorce modification and enforcement actions, custody and support matters, and prepares prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

The things you need to be prepared for when your family business is ready for succession are discussed on this episode of Wealth Matters.

Michael Blake/Arpeggio Advisors

Mike Blake is the founder of Arpeggio Advisors, a boutique business appraisal and corporate strategy advisory firm in Atlanta. Mike’s background has included work in venture capital, investment banking, and public accounting. For the first eight years of his career, Mike worked in venture capital and investment banking in the U.S. and abroad. Mike started his career running an entrepreneurship program for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist privatizing companies in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. He also worked for 2 years for Global Partner Ventures, a venture fund that invested in technologies related to the design, production or delivery of weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union, and converted them to civilian applications and market-driven businesses. Since arriving in Atlanta in 2003, Mike has been applying his venture capital and technology venture knowledge in the local ecosystem. Mike co-founded StartupLounge, a nonprofit that helped emerging technology companies in Georgia raise over $10 million through education and networking events. In addition, Mike serves as an educator for entrepreneurs and a competition coach, having helped 7 teams win over $300,000 in cash and $2 million in professional services, as well as helping one team secure funding through ABC’s Shark Tank. In 2005, Mike entered the business appraisal profession full-time, working most recently for Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP (the largest independent public accounting firm headquartered in Atlanta). Mike led HA&W’s effort to become the first appraisal practice in Georgia to earn the International Society of Business Analysts’ Gold Seal of Trust, the only peer review recognition for observing best practices in the business appraisal profession in the United States. Mike has particular expertise in the appraisal of firms in the fields of professional services, information technology, aerospace, and alternative energy. In addition, he has developed specific expertise in the appraisal of emerging technology firms, intellectual property, and intangible assets. Mike is an active educator. He is a Special Instructor of Business Valuation in the Georgia Tech/Emory University TI:GER (Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results) program. In addition, he is regularly invited to provide instruction on entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and business valuation to graduate level classes at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Kennesaw State University, the University of South Carolina, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia. Furthermore, he regularly provides continuing professional education for his peers in the business valuation profession. Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and French (Cum Laude) from Franklin & Marshall College, from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. In addition, he holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University. Mike is also a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2014. Mike’s additional professional and community-service passions include supporting entrepreneurship through education and nonprofit board involvement, raising awareness of and funding to combat Lou Gehrig’s Disease, promoting alternative energy development through market forces, advocating for de-stigmatizing mental illness and disorders, and expanding the inclusiveness of the Atlanta high technology community. Mike was recognized in 2009 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for being one of the top 40 Executives Under 40 in the Atlanta area.
Mike speaks Russian, French, and Ukrainian, lives near Atlanta with his wife and two sons, and plays keyboards and vocals for Kickin’ Off the Coverz, a working classic rock cover band.

Don Bravaldo/Bravaldo Capital Advisors

Don founded Bravaldo Capital Advisors in 2006 to provide full-service investment banking to middle market clients, a segment underserved by larger advisory firms. As managing partner, Don has led BCA through successful transactions across a wide variety of industries. Prior to founding Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Don led the middle market group at a Southeastern business brokerage and oversaw all North American mergers and acquisition activity for Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., a large, publicly traded, consolidator of orthopedic and prosthetic service businesses. In these roles, Don administered all phases of the mergers and acquisition process, including identifying potential sell side opportunities, packaging businesses for sale, performing business valuations, extending and negotiating offers, conducting due diligence investigations, and managing the formal closing process. Earlier in his career as an auditor with Bennett Thrasher & Co., P.C. and Arthur Andersen LLP, Don coordinated financial reporting engagements and provided business consulting services to clients throughout the Southeast in industries including construction, service, manufacturing, and healthcare. Don is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Accounting from Auburn University. Don is active in his church and enjoys golf, fishing and the outdoors.

John Monahon/Trusted Counsel

John serves as legal counsel to startups and growth companies on corporate and transactional matters. His practice focuses on the full life cycle of businesses, including entity organization, shareholder agreements, licensing agreements, securities offerings, employment agreements, intellectual property registrations and business succession planning. John’s clients include companies in a broad array of industries including technology, consulting, healthcare, media, and food and beverage. John received his B.A., cum laude, in finance and management and a joint J.D./I.M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina. During his studies, John worked in the international joint venture finance division of one of the largest law firms in Asia. His business and legal background gives him a unique perspective that enables him to assist clients in making well-informed legal decisions that achieve their strategic business goals. John is married to his wife Soo, and has 3 young children. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching college football and playing tennis.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

What are Ethical Wills and Value Letters? What will your legacy be, other than money? Attorneys Craig Frankel, Robert Port and Millie Baumbusch answer these questions on this episode of “Wealth Matters”.

Craig Frankel

Craig Frankel is an experienced litigator who specializes in civil disputes within the areas of business law, contracts, will and trusts, fiduciary duties, employment claims, civil rights, and civil appeals. Known throughout the legal profession as a principled, aggressive attorney who gets the job done, Mr. Frankel emphasizes open and frank exchanges with every client, adversary, and the court. As a founding partner of Gaslowitz Frankel LLC, he takes pride in his firm’s ability to create favorable resolutions for their clients, whether through trial or settlements. Mr. Frankel’s approach to his practice is centered on the belief that any successful result must meet both the financial and emotional challenges of his clients. Therefore, in addition to his years of experience in a courtroom, Mr. Frankel is well versed in mediation and alternative dispute resolution techniques.

Mr. Frankel attended the Honors Program of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Order of the Grail Honor Society. He later attended the University of Georgia School of Law as a Bryant T. Castellow Scholar, where he served as Executive Editor of the Georgia Law Review and a research assistant to Deans Beaird and Brussack. After achieving his J.D. with honors, Mr. Frankel clerked with the Hon. John C. Godbold, then Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Mr. Frankel is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs, wealth management programs, and estate and tax programs, where he discusses fiduciary duties and the risks for fiduciaries. Additionally, his successful law practice is balanced with extensive pro bono work. Mr. Frankel currently serves on the Board of Directors of Hillside Hospital, a residential and outpatient facility for severely abused or emotionally disturbed adolescents and their families.

Robert Port

Robert Port is a business litigation attorney with extensive experience in general commercial litigation and fiduciary disputes involving wills, trusts, estates, guardianships and conservatorships. With an emphasis on representing investors harmed by the misconduct of their stockbroker, investment advisor, insurance agent, or other trusted advisor, Mr. Port has handled court and arbitration cases across a broad range of fiduciary and financial disputes. This includes cases arising from inappropriate investment strategies, unsuitable sales of annuities and life insurance products, failed or unlawfully offered private placements, real estate investment trusts (REITs), excessive trading (churning), unauthorized trading, sale of unregistered securities, and losses suffered as a result of Ponzi schemes.

Mr. Port graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Bachelors of Science in Political Science and Psychology. He then went on to receive his J.D. with honors from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mr. Port is “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been repeatedly selected as a Georgia “Super Lawyer.” As a widely published expert in his field of practice, Mr. Port’s articles have been featured in the Georgia Bar Journal, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the Daily Report (an ALM publication), and the Public Investors Arbitration Bar (PIABA) Journal. Mr. Port is the editor of Georgia Business Litigation, a one-volume, comprehensive guide to matters business litigators encounter. Additionally, he has been interviewed and quoted by a variety of media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, The Atlanta Business Chronicle, TheStreem.com, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Daily Report.

Mr. Port’s passion for law is rooted in the thoughtful analysis of legal issues, the challenges associated with understanding issues from multiple perspectives, and the rigorous debates over disputed issues of law and fact. He thrives on taking complex legal arguments and presenting them in ways that simplify the complexity and create compelling cases for his clients.

Millie Baumbusch

Millie Baumbusch is a litigator who specializes in fiduciary matters, including disputes concerning wills, estates, trusts, and business interests. Her particular focus is on contested guardianships and conservatorships. Ms. Baumbusch represents clients in all phases of litigation, from filing pleadings and conducting discovery through strategizing for and managing hearings and trials. In addition, she often engages in settlement negotiations to assist clients in resolving their disputes prior to trial, saving resources and permitting them a measure of control over the outcome.

Ms. Baumbusch attended Brown University and obtained a B.A. degree in English literature. She was an Assistant Vice President at Chemical Bank in New York City, where she was a lending officer to middle market companies and held several positions in strategic planning and market research. Ms. Baumbusch attended the Georgia State University College of Law, earning a J.D. cum laude. While in law school, she served as Research Co-Editor of the Law Review.

Ms. Baumbusch is certified in civil collaborative practice and has more than 1,200 hours of hands-on experience with Guardianship and Conservatorship cases. She has made CLE presentations and lectured on guardianships, how to avoid estate disputes, and related topics.

Ms. Baumbusch’s passion for estate and trust litigation is rooted in the combination of analyzing complex legal issues and being attuned to family dynamics. With cases that often involve clients’ family members, Ms. Baumbusch focuses on the legalities involved and interactions with opposing counsel, while never losing sight of the impact the final outcome will have on her client’s family. She understands that seeking a mediated settlement that would foster a better family relationship is often a more appropriate approach than taking an aggressive stance in litigation. However, each case presents different family, factual, and legal issues, making every day a fresh challenge.

ABOUT GASLOWITZ FRANKEL, LLC:

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.

Adam Gaslowitz and Robert Port discuss “Financial Management and Life Care Options for Seniors” on Wealth Matters. Guests include Miles Hurley, Partner at Hurley Elder Care Law; Barbara Scurry, Owner at Senior Partners; and Chris Foster, Executive Director at A Hand to Hold.

ABOUT MILES HURLEY

Miles Patrick Hurley is an Elder Law attorney in private practice in Atlanta, serving the legal needs of the elderly population on issues related to aging; including retaining independence,quality of life and financial security. Mr. Hurley is one of ten attorneys in the state of Georgia to receive the Elder Law Attorney Certification (CELA), and one of approximately 400 nationwide.

THE LAW FIRM PRACTICE: Miles is committed to making the process of planning for the future—our own and that of those we love—as pain-free as possible. His firm holds the philosophy that dedicated client service and individualized plans can actually make this difficult process empowering and even rewarding.

Providing comprehensive legal solutions for elders by helping families find, get and pay for good long-term care

Life Care Planning

Veterans Benefits Eligibility

Medicaid and nursing home planning

Guardianship/Conservatorship

Asset Protection

Special Needs planning

Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney

Probate and Estate Administration

LEADERSHIP ROLES: Mr. Hurley serves or has served in the following leadership roles:

President of the Georgia Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Founding member and former Vice President of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association (LCPLFA)

Current Chair of the Elder Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia

Served as the vice president of the Board of Directors for The Lewy Body Dementia Association

Board member Atlanta Theater To Go

Board member Estate Planning Council of North Georgia

Troop Committee – Boy Scout Troop 74

EDUCATION, PUBLICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS:

Undergraduate-Emory University/University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Law – Georgia State University

Barbara Scurry grew up in Minneapolis, MN but has lived in the Atlanta area since late 2000. She graduated cum lade with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and had a corporate career in marketing in the manufacturing, financial services, and geriatric healthcare industries.

While doing sales and business development in nursing homes and marketing for a Continuing Care Retirement Community and a private-duty home care company, she developed a passion for working with senior citizens. In 2011, Barbara started Senior Partners (formerly The Money Moxie) to be a financial advocate that provides peace of mind to seniors who are struggling with their daily life and money matters.

With her skill at organizing chaos, Barbara and her staff of three Senior Partners, get things done for their clients, protect them from fraud, help keep them independent, and save them money. Senior Partners specializes in providing above and beyond personalized, concierge-type services for their clients.

Barbara lives in Norcross and part-time in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband Darryl and has recently taken up yoga and cardio boxing as her outlet for stress.

As an inspirational business leader, Chris Foster brings 25 years of business management in the Atlanta market to A Hand To Hold, one of Georgia’s largest private duty home care agencies. As a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) & Gerontologist, Chris is an expert in the field of aging and senior care. With extensive experience in business management, marketing, public speaking and leadership, Chris strives to bring inspirational messages, timely information and reliable resources to the seniors of Georgia.

Gaslowitz Frankel is an experienced trial practice firm specializing in all aspects of complex fiduciary litigation throughout Georgia and the Southeast. With a focus on representing individuals, companies, banks, and fiduciaries in dispute involving wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, businesses, and securities law, their experienced and highly qualified litigation attorneys have tremendous credentials and a proven history of success.